Dan Skelton's yard is operating at 38% over the last 14 days — 10 winners from 26 runners. That is not a yard ticking along. That is a yard firing at full volume. When a stable at that strike rate sends a 5yo mare who won a bumper a fortnight ago to Plumpton for a Class 5 National Hunt flat race with Harry Skelton booked, the message is clear. Getmyfriend at 1/3 is today's NAP.
The Selection
Getmyfriend's form line reads 3---1 and the story behind it is straightforward. She showed promise on her March debut when finishing third over course and distance at Plumpton — the same track as tonight, the same trip. That was the foundation. A fortnight ago at Southwell over 2m on good ground she built on it, opening her account comfortably and showing exactly the improvement her debut had promised. She returns to Plumpton tonight carrying a penalty for that win, but the expert view is direct — connections may have found another good opportunity and she commands major respect.
A mare who was third at Plumpton on debut and then won comfortably at Southwell returning to the same track where she first showed her ability is a horse with unfinished business at a venue she clearly handles. The penalty reflects what she achieved at Southwell. The question the form asks is whether it is enough to stop her at a track she has already shown she likes.
The Penalty in Context
Carrying a penalty in a Class 5 bumper is a straightforward weight consideration. It adds pounds to the saddle but it does not add complexity to the form picture. Getmyfriend won at Southwell comfortably — the form book says she won with something in hand. A penalty that reflects a comfortable win at a lower level is not the same as a penalty earned narrowly against strong opposition. The Skelton yard would not return here with her if they thought the weight would compromise her chance.
The Dan and Harry Skelton Combination
Dan Skelton trains from Alcester in Warwickshire and his operation has become one of the most consistently productive in National Hunt racing. The 38% strike rate over 14 days is exceptional by any measure — it means roughly four in every ten runners from this yard has won in the last fortnight. Harry Skelton as the retained jockey adds a further layer of confidence. When Harry rides for his brother's yard in a race they have specifically targeted, the booking is not routine. It is a statement.
The Skelton combination has been the dominant force in British National Hunt racing in recent seasons, and their record with mares in bumpers and novice hurdles is one of the strongest of any yard in the country. Getmyfriend fits their typical profile precisely — a well-bred mare developed patiently through bumpers before a jumping campaign.
The Form Numbers
RPR of 111 in a Class 5 bumper is clear form superiority for this level. The TS of 78 is secondary in a bumper where tactical ability and jumping potential matter more than raw speed figures, but the RPR confirms that Getmyfriend has already shown more than this race requires. Last run 15 days ago — fresh enough to be sharp, recent enough that the Southwell form is live.
The Track
Plumpton is a tight, left-handed track in East Sussex — sharp, undulating, and unforgiving for horses who cannot handle quick turns. Getmyfriend has already proved she can. Her debut third here in March was on the same circuit, the same trip. She knows the track. In a bumper where racecraft and comfort matter as much as raw ability, that familiarity is a genuine edge.
Bottom Line
Won at Southwell a fortnight ago. Returns to a track where she ran third on debut. Dan Skelton at 38% over 14 days. Harry Skelton booked. RPR 111 clear of a Class 5 field. Penalty carried, opportunity identified, major respect commanded. Getmyfriend at 1/3 is today's NAP — back to win.
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